Seat suspended between crutches

Abstract

A seat suspended between two crutches in the manner of a sling, to provide the user of the crutches with a place to rest. The seat is attached to both crutches of a pair of crutches used by an individual needing crutches. The seat is attached by one or more adjustable straps and / or release clips. The seat allows the user to rest his body weight on the seat thereby relieving the arms of the user without placing weight on the lower limbs. The crutches are fully usable in the normal manner for walking while the seat is attached and suspended from the crutches. The seat hangs below and behind the user when the crutches are used by the user for walking. The feet of the crutched are placed adjacent one another, while the tops of the crutches are spread apart to raise the seat into a usable height, while providing a stable base for supporting the user. The crutches are then angled slightly forward with the tops of the crutches in front of the user and the crutch feet behind the user. The user then lowers his weight onto the suspended seat and maintains his balance with his feet touching the ground. To continue walking, the user leans forward out of the crutches and shifts his weight to his arms.

Description

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION1. Field of InventionThe present invention relates to portable medical devices for ambulatory patients. More particularly, the present invention relates to accessories for aiding individuals who require the use of crutches.2. Description of the Related ArtAn individual who suffers a leg, foot, or ankle fracture or sprain may require the use of crutches in order to remain mobile. Others may require long term or permanent use of crutches. In the treatment of a lower body injury or permanent disability where a conventional pair of crutches are required to provide support, a level of fatigue is incurred when the upper body must compensate for the lower body's inability to support weight. When using a pair of crutches many people complain of underarm soreness and upper body fatigue. The fatigue is caused by the constant use of the arms with the aid of the crutches to support weight.To attempt to relieve arm fatigue, it is common for people on crutches to lean on th...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is a seat that attaches to a conventional pair of crutches. Its purpose is to support the users weight to help eliminate fatigue which usually accompanies the use of crutches. The device is used when the individual using the crutches is stationary and acts as a seat so that the individual does not have to stand. This device is portable and can be removed for storage or left attached to a pair of crutches for easy access and immediate use.

The present invention is a helpful tool that helps with the above problems of fatigue and mobility. The present invention provides a support during rest by providing a suspended sling seat surface to sit on whenever and wherever the user may be. This will help prevent fatigue and soreness that usually accompany crutch use. By reducing the fatigue in the upper body and providing support to keep weight off the injured limbs, recovery time can be improved and the chance of re-injury can be reduced.

The present invention offers a solution to these problems by providing a surface to rest at all times and anywhere it is safe to use crutches. The suspended sling seat is attached to the arm support of the crutches and hangs behind the user. The present invention remains out of the way during non-use and is always there when then user needs a rest. The seat portion hangs down between the hand supports and with a little repositioning of the crutches provides a seat to lean back into. This takes the weight off of the upper body while still keeping the weight off the injured limb. The present invention is removable, lightweight and easy to use. The present invention is also adjustable which allows for different size users as well as a means to adjust for comfort and seat height. The present invention seat surface is also high enough so that it is much easier to get out of than a standard chair. This makes it easy to set up after sitting down especially if the user only has the use of one leg which can be a hindrance in getting up from a conventional seat.

Problems solved by technology

In the treatment of a lower body injury or permanent disability where a conventional pair of crutches are required to provide support, a level of fatigue is incurred when the upper body must compensate for the lower body's inability to support weight.

When using a pair of crutches many people complain of underarm soreness and upper body fatigue.

The fatigue is caused by the constant use of the arms with the aid of the crutches to support weight.

Athletes who need to stand on sidelines, people who are required to be on their feet at work, people who have a long walk in a parking lot or need to walk long distances for any reason all experience fatigue.

Sometimes places to sit down are just not available.

When there are places to sit there is the problem of where to put the crutches when they are not in use.

Also it can be difficult to get up from a seat which is too low, when his / her injury and / or crutches hinder the individual.

In summary, problems associated with the use of standard crutches on their own are sometimes unavoidable.

Problems include physical fatigue, discomfort and inconvenience these can force the user to use the injured part more than necessary.

These issues pose a threat to the safety of the individual as well as making the crutches less effective and can increase the time necessary for recovery.

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